Daddy Down Under

by Nora Phoenix

I’m such a cliché. Rich, successful…and bored out of my mind.

A classic case of a midlife crisis probably, but instead of buying an expensive sports car, I go on a long business trip to Australia.

Alone. I haven’t trusted myself to be with anyone since my best friend betrayed me, leaving me bleeding and heartbroken.

Until a gorgeous surfer dude named Ocean falls into my lap. Literally.

He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Bossy, carefree, and somehow, he reads me like an open book.

I agree to him staying with me in Melbourne so we can have a fling. With me in charge, obviously. He is half my age, after all.

But Ocean changes the rules on me, becoming what I never knew I needed.

A Daddy.

Oh, and did I mention he’s my ex-best friend’s son?

Daddy Down Under is a full-length, standalone MM romance with a Daddy who’s younger and an older boy who happens to be a billionaire. That doesn’t make him any less needy, though. No age play.

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Contemporary, Erotica

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2025

About the author

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/

You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...

Reviews

[JonathanSamuelReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with my sweet Roberta! We both thought this was very bland 😆

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m such a cliché. Rich, successful…and bored out of my mind. A classic case of a midlife crisis probably, but instead of buying an expensive sports car, I go on a long business trip to Australia. Alone. I haven’t trusted myself to be with anyone since my best friend betrayed me, leaving me bleeding and heartbroken.
Until a gorgeous surfer dude named Ocean falls into my lap, literally.
Cash is a rich and successful businessman with all the luxuries that his vast amount of money can buy. He also works too hard, never relaxes, and is bored and not very satisfied with his life. He isn’t sure what has come over him, but he experiences a sudden impulse to go to Australia for a month to see to a potential deal in person. He's never done or wanted to do this before...but there is a first time for everything...right? He never before would have taken this much risk with this kind of deal, plus he rarely ever travels without his assistant, which read more like his butler...to assist him with literally his EVERY single need. "Sheltered" was a word that hardly described his life, and I was expecting disaster of some kind, before he even got on the plane. But for some unexplained reason Cash wanted, needed to explore a little more. So off he goes to Australia.

On the plane Cash meets a beautiful and intriguing younger man...Ocean. (have to love that name). Ocean is very "take charge" and bossy. He always seems to be in control, and somehow, he "understands" Cash almost immediately. This is all a new experience for Cash...he has ALWAYS been the one "in charge", both in his business and in his personal life. He also has a more "submissive" side that he absolutely refuses to ever allow to come out. Yet there is something about Ocean that seems to allow Cash to breathe, to let go of that control and simple...enjoy. The two men, surprisingly, are very comfortable together. They decide that while Cash is in Australia and Ocean has some free time between surfing contracts, they will share Cash’s hotel suite and just enjoy spending time together. It's supposed to be a short-term fling, but weeks go by with the guys of course falling more and more for one another. The age gap doesn't seem to matter anymore, and Cash begins to get more comfortable with his submissive side. However, old habits die hard, and Cash begins to revert to his "old habits".

This is an age-gap story featuring a younger, very dominant "Daddy" and an older, very wealthy, "boy". I don't know how often this pairing actually works in "real life", but it usually eventually works in these types of stories. This story turned out to be a lot more fun than I had thought to start with. We met Cash at the time that he was struggling with his feelings when nothing was exciting or intriguing him anymore. He's wealthy beyond imagination, he has a successful company, but all he does is work, and he simply isn’t enjoying his life. Though taking off to Australia was a whim on his part, it turned out to be a change that he desperately needed. Cash and Ocean have immediate chemistry, and they quickly realize they have an unexpected connection.

I enjoyed this story...but of course I did... It was written by Nora Phoenix, one of my favorite authors of this genera. It was a fun story with two likable and believable characters, as well as a sweet sexy romance.

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cashiel is a raging dumbfuck. Is that a thing? It has to be. Because to meet someone today and give them access to your credit cards and agree to have them move into your suite with you, also TODAY has to be some sort of record.

He is also a raging submissive. I don't know if there's a way to immediately tell this stuff because Ocean took ONE look at him and thought 'Yep. This man will do whatever I tell him even though he's 20 years older than me and just met me.'

Also, he took him on ride-alongs to his business meetings😂sorry but that's just so deeply unserious.

I have valid concerns about how Cashiel got to be a billionaire if this is how he acts. Radiating 'Use me, daddy' vibes.

But generally, this one simply wasn't for me. I don't mind the Daddy/boy dynamic when the older one is the daddy.

When the 24 year old is the 44 year old's daddy? I struggle to take it seriously 🙈. I wouldn't even have minded that Ocean is Cashiel's ex best friend's son. But the other stuff was too unbelievable for me.

Also. The surfer's nickname is Ocean? Sigh.

Anyway. Again. Not for me. But if you like younger daddies and older boys, this may be for you.

But I did learn that koalas can get chlamydia. So. Wasn't all a bust. Learnt something.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's unsurprising to say that this book wasn't for me, given that I don't like daddy kink. I like Nora, so that's why I gave it a chance, but one very big important factor of the relationship between Cash and Ocean wasn't something I like to read of and it's hard to get around it, given that it's a huge chunk of the plot.
If it were just for my feelings I'd give it a two, but I know it isn't the book's fault or that the book wasn't good, and I knew it had that trope from the name alone so it's not like I was blindsided by it. It's all on me for this one

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I'm a sucker for a book that flips the script and having a younger daddy, older boy situation is my happy place. I love the connection, the ease of the relationship and how things progress even in a business context. Like many other Nora books, this one contains a few twists and turns to keep things interesting and I loved every second of it!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash was betrayed so thoroughly from his best friend that he lost it all in one full swoop. Leading him to push that side down until Ocean. Ocean brings out this long hidden side in the most beautiful and understanding way possible. He knows what Cash had experienced and allows him to slowly open up, even though it's not perfect it works for them. Together, they prove they are stronger than their pasts and make a pair worth the pain they went through to reach this point. Absolutely adored their dynamic. You could feel how well they suited one another.

[Sjoukje · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a Nora Phoenix so I had to read it. And it definitely didn’t disappoint! The reverse age gap dynamic, the way Ocean takes care of Cash, everything that involved Oliver, the descriptions of Melbourne and other parts of Australia, the (little) suspense going on in the background… All perfect. 😍
The only thing I could have done without was the little spoilery introductions above each chapter. She’s never done that in any of her other books and I don’t think she should ever do that again. 😂

Other than that: great read, recommend big time (if you’re into kinky books) and will reread.

[Daniela Tirrito · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-*

https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...

[Yuli Atta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one but there were a few things this time that I couldn't overlook too much

There was less discussion about the D/s dynamic and hard boundaries than I would've liked, the intentional withholding of information about a certain thing, done for drama, wasn't great and would usually greatly damage trust and I felt like the author occasionally forgot she was writing about 2 men

These are the main reasons I had to give this 3 stars but aside from that I enjoyed it thoroughly

[Anna]

DNF. I only made it three chapters. I just can't with how pretentious it all is describing the rich lifestyle of the one MC. There are no ethical billionaires and billionaire romances are just not enjoyable, especially in today's current climate.

Eat the rich, folks.

[Axalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Océan (24) et Cash (44) avec un Culomètre à 🥵

Cash en crise de la quarantaine part seul en Australie pour son travail. Il rencontre Ocean, un jeune surfeur autoritaire qui le bouleverse. Ils entament une aventure à Melbourne, mais Ocean devient un "daddy" pour lui. Il découvre ensuite qu'Ocean est le fils de son ancien meilleur ami.

C'est bien du Nora Phœnix, c'est Océan, le plus jeune, qui sera la Dom, place qui lui convient très bien.

Cash tombe sur le fils de son ancien meilleur ami qui a détruit une partie de sa vie, dans l'avion qui le transporte en Australie pour un contrat et, de suite, c'est Océan qui va le porter, qui va le guider et qui va lui faire découvrir, non seulement l'Australie mais aussi lui-même.

Plus besoin de regarder quelque documentaire sur ce pays d'ailleurs, on est en pleine visite guidée avec ce roman, on découvre le pays par les yeux de Cash et ça en met plein la vue !

Océan est un véritable souffle d'air frais. On sent vraiment qu'il vit sa vie pleinement après toutes les galères qu'il a eues : le suicide de sa mère, le rejet de son père. Comme l'océan, il prend ce qui lui arrive avec philosophie, et ça sera parfait pour Cash. Il va lui montrer clairement qui il est, sans filtre, et lui donner tellement d'amour que Cash retrouvera la sécurité qu'il a perdue depuis si longtemps.

Ce ne sera pas un chemin de tout repos. Cash est perclus d'insécurités, qui le forcent à ne pas accepter tout de suite ce que lui propose Océan : sa manière de le diriger, de le faire s'agenouiller, de le laisser se soumettre, de le laisser être aimé comme il le mérite.

Je suis impressionnée par le nombre de métaphores avec l'océan dans le récit, ça ne fait pas trop, elles sont toujours placées au bon moment.

Évidemment, tout ne sera pas que joie et paillettes. Le retour de l'ex-meilleur ami et les révélations qui iront avec vont briser un peu plus Cash, mais comptez sur Océan pour être l'homme parfait qu'il est !

Bref, c'est une ode à l'amour, à la vie saupoudrée d'une romance BDSM ! Lire un personnage comme Océan, si ouvert avec ses sentiments, qui ne donne que de l'amour, c'est hyper beau à lire. Ce n'est pas la romance du siècle, mais elle fait du bien par certains de ses thèmes abordés !

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Erotismo!
Nora Phoenix ci regala, ancora una volta, una storia eroticamente provocante e ricca di sensualità. Una vicenda incentrata sullo spicy prorompente ma che ti sa lasciar trasparir la dolcezza dei suoi protagonisti. Le loro ferite e le battaglie psicologiche che combattono ogni giorno. Le paure e la sfiducia che ammanta ogni loro azione. Li vediamo trovarsi, o in questo caso scontrarsi, assistiamo all’attrazione magnetica che tenta di sopraffarli e trascinarli nelle profondità di un sentimento che spaventa.
Il loro incontro si tinge immediatamente di bisogno e interazioni osé, vivono le dinamiche della loro intimità con un tocco di ritrosia e spaesamento.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Sweet and Insta-lovey 🥰

It was pretty enjoyable, not much plot and a lot of cheesey ocean metaphors but perfect for a chill read with a gentle Daddy/boy dynamic full of sugar 🍭

Narrator: Michael Dean

[Drew H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't ask, I was in a mood, and this did not satisfy it

[BelleLovesRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5 🌶 3/5

This book gave me all the feels—I loved it! It was sweet, heartwarming, touching, and even a little sad at times. But there were some hilarious moments in the beginning that had me laughing out loud, too.

- 
Quote:

“He is the twinkiest twink that ever twinked with the most glorious bubble butt you’ve ever witnessed. He’s exceptionally good at his job, so I don’t want to fire him, but it’s a hard rule of mine never to sleep with my employees. But four weeks in proximity with Oliver would make a monk want to give up chastity, so no, he’s not coming.” —Cash
-

One of the main reasons I wanted to pick this up was the younger Daddy/older baby boy trope—I'm a huge sucker for it, and it’s so hard to find books with that dynamic. So when I saw it, I added it to my TBR instantly and couldn’t wait to dive in. Plus, knowing it was a Nora Phoenix book made me even more excited to read it! 💎

The characters are everything. Ocean is the surfer Daddy, and Cash is the billionaire CEO baby boy. Their relationship flows so beautifully, and it’s especially cute because it’s both their first Daddy/boy relationship. The slow burn is just perfect—they ease into the Daddy/boy dynamic while also developing their feelings for each other. 🥹💞

There’s a lot of hurt/comfort in this book, especially with the tragic pasts of both characters. The pain they carry because of Preston, Cash’s ex-best friend/ex-business partner who betrayed him, hits hard. Preston is also Ocean’s dad—a complete asshole who cheated on his wife, was never there for Ocean, and even went as far as to beat him with a baseball bat, leaving him with fractured ribs and a wrist. 🤬😭

Honestly, Preston can eat shit and rot in hell for all I care. 💩 ☠️

But in the end, the book wraps up with a beautiful, happy, and satisfying ending that makes every moment worth it. I enjoyed every second of reading this—until 3.30 am 💀, and I’m sooo happy I picked it up. 💙✨️

🏄🏻‍♂️ MM contemporary romance
🏄🏻‍♂️ Daddy kink
🏄🏻‍♂️ Younger Daddy Dom, older submissive baby boy
🏄🏻‍♂️ Age gap
🏄‍♂️ Hurt/comfort
🏄🏻‍♂️ Semi-public hand jobs
🏄🏻‍♂️ Praise kink
🏄‍♂️ Spanking
🏄🏻‍♂️ Cockwarming
🏄🏻‍♂️ Anal douche
🏄🏻‍♂️ Vers
🏄🏻‍♂️ Medium angst with a heartwarming payoff—just the right amount to keep you hooked without wrecking you completely.
🏄🏻‍♂️ HEA
🏄🏻‍♂️ Epilogue

[Chiara Ropolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://lalettricesullenuvole.blogspo...

Secondo libro che leggo di questa autrice, mi è piaciuta anche stavolta. La Phoenix scrive con molte scene spicy, però non è mai volgare e contestualizza anche gli eventuali kink, come in questo caso.

Mi è piaciuta molto l’introspezione relativa al protagonista, Cash, soprattutto per quanto riguarda la dinamica D/s. Trovo che l’autrice abbia affrontato benissimo i dubbi dati soprattutto dalle differenze di età e carriera, ma anche la sensazione di appagamento, di comprensione. Questo aspetto è molto ben curato, per Cash, mentre per Ocean lo si dà per scontato.

Ho adorato l’ambientazione, mi è venuta voglia di partire subito per Melbourne, di visitare i parchi, di fare surf, ho proprio adorato le descrizioni, che però non sono eccessive e non appesantiscono.

Mi è piaciuta anche la questione Preston, anche se avrei apprezzato un maggior approfondimento per quanto riguarda le motivazioni. Viene dipinto come una specie di mostro, trovo difficile credere all’amicizia precedente, così importante per Cash. Non ci sono giustificazioni per alcune azioni, ma avrei gradito un maggior approfondimento per quanto riguarda il passato.

Lo stile è molto scorrevole, la prima persona fa empatizzare molto per il POV narrante, in questo caso Cash, e il libro si legge con piacere. La storia è autoconclusiva.

[Jai Oni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyment: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: single, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, BDSM, opposites attract

Loved the younger Daddy / older boy and all the sweet caretaking in this one!
RTC

[Doussouba · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 39%

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never had trouble reading a Nora Phoenix book, but I almost DNFed this one at 44%. It’s possible it was just me, but I found myself struggling to keep going. Eventually I just started skimming. I wasn’t sold on the emotional connection between them or the kink for that matter. Their individual stories worked, but that was it for me.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was looking forward to this book and it was a bit of a miss for me. I hope Oliver gets a book though!

[Assh · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫💫
Ocean Levine (Palmer 24 ans) et Cash Sullivan (Cashell 44 ans)
Surfeur et homme d'affaire respecté et respectueux
Daddy plus jeune et boy milliardaire

Preston et Marcia (parents de Palmer et ancien meilleur ami de Cashell)
Robert et Marie (parents de Cash, aimant)
Oliver (assistant personnel de Cash)
M. Thomas (chauffeur personnel de Cash)
Mike Gerber (concierge personnel de Cash à l'hôtel Queen Victoria)

Comme toujours, la plume de Nora est fluide, captivante et facile à lire.
Et la relation d'amour et d'amitié est très bien abordé et nous pousse à en vouloir plus des personnages principaux.
La relation de daddy et boy a été très légère et n'a pas pris le pas sur l'intrigue)
Mais ce n'est pas une réussite comme la série "Mains Parfaite" ou ses autres livres de daddy, il m'a manqué quelques chose, sans doute que je m'attendais à ce qu'il soit développé un peu plus et que je suis déçue.
Donc oui ce n'est pas un coup de coeur, ce n'est pas un favoris mais ça vaut le coup de le lire.



📖
Je suis un cliché. Riche, prospère… et pourtant, je m'ennuie à mourir.

Un cas classique de crise de la quarantaine, sans doute, mais au lieu d'acheter une voiture de sport hors de prix, je pars pour un long voyage d'affaires en Australie.
Seule. Je n'ai plus confiance en moi depuis que mon meilleur ami m'a trahie, me laissant en sang et le cœur brisé.
Jusqu'à ce qu'un magnifique surfeur nommé Ocean me tombe dessus. Littéralement.
Il ne ressemble à personne que j'aie jamais rencontré. Autoritaire, insouciant, et d'une certaine manière, il lit en moi comme un livre ouvert.

J'accepte qu'il reste avec moi à Melbourne pour qu'on puisse avoir une aventure. Avec moi aux commandes, évidemment. Il a la moitié de mon âge, après tout.
Mais Ocean change les règles du jeu, devenant ce dont j'ignorais avoir besoin.
Un papa.

Oh, et ai-je mentionné que c'est le fils de mon ex-meilleur ami ?
📚




🖋
Je soupirai en passant une main dans mes cheveux poivre et sel. À quarante-quatre ans, j'avais plus de richesse et de pouvoir que je n'en avais jamais rêvé en tant qu'orphelin du Queens. Mon nom était respecté, mon entreprise figurait chaque année dans le top 10 du Fortune 500, et ma boîte mail était toujours pleine d'invitations à prendre la parole, à participer à des événements et à faire des dons.

Je m'ennuyais à mourir.

Ennui .

Un mot si mélodieux et si riche pour le sentiment le plus horrible au monde. Bon, peut-être pas le pire, mais il figurait sans aucun doute dans mon top 10. Ou du moins dans mon top 20. Bref. Le fait est que je détestais ressentir cet ennui gâté où plus rien ne m'excitait.

Je me sentais vieille. Ancienne. Bien au-delà de ma maturité, malgré ce que mes nombreux amants me disaient. Leurs compliments sur mon corps gonflaient mon ego, mais n'atteignaient jamais mon âme, toujours aussi vide et noire.

Seigneur, j'avais besoin d'un coup de pied aux fesses. Ou d'une claque. Peut-être les deux.

Peut-être était-ce dû à une série d'affaires qui avaient mal tourné, certaines après y avoir consacré de nombreuses heures. J'avais perdu mon talent, et c'était déstabilisant. J'avais monté mon entreprise de toutes pièces, guidé par un instinct commercial qui me trahissait rarement, mais ces derniers temps, mon radar était déréglé.

Ou peut-être était-ce parce que c'était janvier, le début d'une nouvelle année, et pourtant je ne parvenais pas à m'enthousiasmer. Pas de résolutions, pas de projets qui me faisaient battre le cœur plus vite, rien à attendre avec impatience.

J'avais besoin de… quelque chose. Il fallait que quelque chose change, que quelque chose change, parce que je ne pouvais plus continuer comme ça. J'étais à deux doigts de péter un plomb, et je ne pouvais pas me le permettre. Et puis, c'était bien trop gênant. J'avais une image à préserver, tout ça.

J'avais besoin de m'évader. Un changement d'air me ferait du bien.




.



Mes partenaires sexuels étaient généralement plus jeunes que moi, contents de me laisser prendre les devants.
Jusqu'à l'océan.

Mon cœur s'emballait, le désir et l'appréhension s'affrontaient en moi. Ocean était enivrant : son odeur, son toucher, sa façon de voir à travers ma façade soigneusement construite. Mais le spectre de la trahison de Preston planait, un rappel brutal de la douleur qu'engendre le fait de laisser entrer quelqu'un.

Le signal sonore « ceinture détachée » a sonné et j'ai immédiatement détaché ma ceinture. « J'ai besoin d'aller aux toilettes », ai-je dit à Ocean. Ma veste de costume devant moi, je me suis enfui dans les toilettes exiguës de l'avion.

Je me suis regardée dans le miroir. Mes joues étaient rouges, mon regard un peu vitreux et hagard. Mon habituel visage impassible avait disparu, et si Ocean me voyait maintenant, il n'aurait aucun mal à lire les émotions sur mon visage.

Mon cœur battait fort, la pulsation de la vie me traversait. J'avais l'impression de m'éveiller d'un long sommeil. Tout semblait plus lumineux, plus vivant, plus coloré et plus intense, même ces toilettes ridicules. Mon corps vibrait sous l'énergie brute qui me traversait. Que se passait-il ?

Je me suis regardé une dernière fois, puis j'ai fermé les yeux. Je ne pouvais pas faire ça. Quinze ans plus tôt, cela m'avait presque détruit, et je risquais de ne pas survivre une seconde fois. Non, quel que soit le jeu auquel Ocean jouait avec moi, je devais me désengager.

Un sentiment étrange m'envahit tandis que je débouclais ma ceinture, ouvrais ma braguette et sortais. Presque de la culpabilité, comme si je faisais quelque chose d'interdit, quelque chose d'interdit. Était-ce parce que je décevais Ocean ? Mais comment pouvais-je décevoir un homme que je venais de rencontrer, un homme à qui je ne devais absolument rien, qui avait vingt ans de moins que moi ?

Rien de tout cela n'avait de sens, et pourtant cette simple phrase qu'il avait prononcée résonnait dans ma tête comme un vieux disque coincé. « Si tu es bon pour moi, il y aura une récompense. »

Qu'avait-il voulu dire par là ? À quoi faisait-il allusion ? Et surtout, pourquoi me sentais-je si mal de me masturber, ce que je faisais depuis l'âge de douze ans, sans jamais ressentir la moindre honte ? Et pourtant, j'étais là, à quarante-quatre ans, hésitant sur une chose à laquelle je n'aurais même pas dû penser.

Mais au fond de moi, quelque chose s'était réveillé, quelque chose que j'avais réussi à maintenir en sommeil si longtemps que je pensais l'avoir effacé de mon esprit une fois pour toutes. Comme je m'étais trompée ! Avec cette simple phrase, Ocean avait réveillé la part de moi qui voulait être bonne, qui désirait ardemment être félicitée et récompensée.

Il avait réveillé mon côté soumis.
J'étais tellement foutu.

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[Marika Schiavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cash Sullivan è un uomo di quarantaquattro anni che è riuscito con il suo intelletto e con le sue forze a costruire un impero tale da avergli fatto guadagnare il titolo di miliardario. Cresciuto in una amorevole famiglia che lo ha sempre accettato per la sua omosessualità e felice del suo successo, ultimamente Cash si sente insoddisfatto e demoralizzato anche a causa di alcune acquisizioni che non sono andate a buon fine. Come se ciò non bastasse, sente un vuoto al suo fianco, nonostante non sia mai stato tipo da legami duraturi. Così, in un momento di riflessione con sé stesso e con la convinzione di rompere uno schema fatto di quotidianità e fredde abitudini, decide di lasciare New York e volare a Melbourne per seguire personalmente l'acquisizione di un'azienda australiana. Grazie all'efficienza del suo assistente, Oliver, Cash il mattino seguente si trova su un volo con direzione Australia con tanto di consigli su cosa visitare per prendere una pausa dal lavoro. Il destino, tuttavia, è già in moto e proprio in questa occasione, Cash incontra - o forse dovrei dire che si scontra - con Ocean che gli cade letteralmente fra le braccia a causa di una caduta accidentale. Quest'ultimo è un giovane uomo di ventiquattro anni dall'aspetto di una divinità greca, capelli biondi e occhi azzurri come l'oceano. I due iniziano subito una frizzante conversazione che li porta a rivelare i propri nomi. Lo stupore è visibile sul volto di Cash quando capisce che conosce già Ocean, perché altri non è che Palmer Levine: il figlio del suo ex migliore amico che lo ha tradito nel peggiore dei modi e con il quale ha tagliato ogni comunicazione. Tuttavia, gli è subito chiaro che i due non potrebbero essere più diversi e la storia di Ocean ha ancora molto da rivelargli. Fra Cash e Ocean le scintille sono tali da scatenare un incendio indomabile e le loro anime si riconoscono sin dal primo sguardo. Riusciranno a mettere da parte ogni pregiudizio e timore, per scoprire cosa il destino ha già scritto per loro? A voi il dubbio a cui troverete risposta solo procurandovi la vostra copia di Un Daddy a Melbourne e leggendo la dolcissima storia di Cash e Ocean.
Nora Phoenix per me è letteralmente sinonimo di garanzia. Difatti, non appena ho ricevuto la proposta di collaborazione con la sinossi di questo volume stand alone, non ho potuto assolutamente dire di no. Per non parlare poi del fatto che si tratta di un Age Gap con Daddy più giovane e Boy più maturo, resistere è impossibile. Ero molto curiosa, infatti, di scoprire come l'autrice avrebbe sviluppato questa storia. Così, anche se ho dovuto attendere un pochino prima di potermici dedicare con calma, ho letteralmente divorato questo romanzo perché una volta iniziato a leggere non avrei voluto staccarmi dal kindle. I titoli dei diversi capitoli che anticipano il loro contenuto mi sono piaciuti tantissimo, alcuni sono esilaranti. Il singolo pov da parte di Cash per tutta la durata del romanzo mi è piaciuto e, nonostante Ocean lo troviamo per un singolo capitolo, sono comunque riuscita a entrare in sintonia con lui e a conoscerlo bene anche attraverso il flusso di pensieri di Cash e di questo devo fare i miei complimenti all'autrice. Ho adorato il modo in cui la Phoenix ha sviluppato la relazione fra Cash e Ocean. Sono proprio anime gemelle che si completano come se fossero due pezzi di un puzzle unico. La sintonia che cresce, pagina dopo pagina, è coinvolgente; le scene spicy sono veramente ben fatte e curate, mai uguali fra loro. La dinamica Daddy/Boy, inoltre, viene sviluppata poco per volta, dando modo al lettore di entrare bene nella relazione dei due protagonisti. Non vi sono angst, né particolari momenti ad alta tensione, al contrario l'autrice ha dato ampio spazio al loro rapporto, dandoci modo di assistere, passo dopo passo, alla crescita della loro relazione. È stato emozionante immergermi nella loro storia: Cash e Ocean sono caratterialmente opposti, dove il primo è timoroso e sempre abituato ad avere tutto sotto controllo, il secondo è un vero e proprio raggio di sole in grado di far sciogliere anche il più ghiacciato dei cuori. Il modo in cui Ocean comprende Cash è davvero travolgente e fa ben percepire l'amore e il forte sentimento che li unisce. Anche le descrizioni dei luoghi di Melbourne e dei diversi panorami e paesaggi che i due visitano, sono così ben descritti da avermi dato la sensazione di trovarmi proprio al loro fianco. Lo stile narrativo della Phoenix è davvero piacevole e invoglia il lettore a proseguire per approfondire la storia. Ogni tanto ho trovato qui e là qualche ripetizione di pensiero o concetto che, nel complesso, non hanno influenzato la mia opinione. Magari, qui e là, avrei apprezzato qualche alleggerimento nel corso dell'intreccio narrativo che mi avrebbero fatto apprezzare ugualmente il romanzo nella sua interezza. Se siete alla ricerca di un Gay Romance contemporaneo tenero, senza grossi scossoni ma piuttosto lineare, con Age Gap tra i due protagonisti che nonostante le differenze si completano benissimo, con una relazione Daddy/Boy dove il Daddy è più giovane, una bella crescita della relazione e dei due uomini in sé, panorami mozzafiato e quel pizzico - quanto basta - di suspense, non potete perdere Un Daddy a Melbourne. A me non rimane che aspettare paziente la prossima pubblicazione di Nora Phoenix, come sempre, tradotta in modo eccellente da Mary Vitrano!
Consigliato, per me sono 4.5 stelle!

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 ⭐

Daddy Down Under is a standalone book from author Nora Phoenix. Here's what you can expect from Ocean and Cash:

🧡 MM contemporary romance
🧡 First person single point of view
🧡 Guaranteed happily ever after
🧡 Younger Daddy, older boy (no age play)
🧡 Age gap
🧡 Grumpy/sunshine
🧡 Rival's son
🧡 Opposites attract

This was a fun and relatively easy read! I loved the premise of a businessman trying to escape his everyday routine and a series of deals that fell through by travelling from New York to Australia, Melbourne in particular. The story is told from Cash's point of view (although I believe the epilogue was from Ocean's point of view), and it definitely took me some time to warm up to him. He certainly had the spoiled billionaire vibe going for him at the beginning of the book. By the end of the story though, after what we've learned about him (and Ocean), his grumpiness makes sense and he does soften a bit. I found his first meeting with Ocean a bit clunky, but I really enjoyed their dynamic. It's always interesting when the dynamics in a book subvert what's expected - in this case, Ocean is a younger Daddy and Cash is an older boy (Cash is also the grumpy one, whereas Ocean is very sunshiney). They have about a 20 year age gap, so we get the chance to watch Cash relinquish control and come to realize that what he craves is something Ocean is more than happy to give him.

As with all of Nora's work I've had the pleasure of reading, the spice was great and important to moving the plot forward. Ocean and Cash's relationship is unique in the fact they don't jump right into Daddy kink instantly. It's something that's built up and progresses naturally as Cash's time in Melbourne continues. It's also something Cash has to come to terms with wanting. I did find the last third of the book a little rushed, and it felt like it was lacking a little something. Overall though, this was an enjoyable and relatively easy read, particularly if you enjoy Daddy romances that circumvent the expected!

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I pretty much just read this book because it's set in Melbourne.

(Nothing against Nora Phoenix - she just doesn't really write my kind of book.)

I was disappointed.

Actually, the plot/relationship were fine, though I wasn't really feeling the romance, and it wasn't particularly sexy.

Or maybe I was too distracted by the fact that... it just didn't feel like Melbourne.

It was like... Generic City Anywhere In The World plus a list of Melbourne tourist destinations.

So my top three weirdest things about this book...
1. Public toilets in Australia all have doors that go all the way to the floor! No gap! This is like... weirdest Australia myth ever. (Can't actually speak for the men's toilets at Tullamarine Airport cause I have not checked those out. It's now on my to-do list. Or... maybe I'd better not.)
2. A large portion of this book was set in the Melbourne CBD and yet the word "tram" did not feature once in this book. I just... no. What?
3. Normal everyday differences between Australia and the USA didn't get a mention. I mean, it doesn't need to be a big deal, but when you go to a country where they drive on the other side of the road, you really notice, right? And there were only a couple of mentions of tips, but it still felt unAustralian.

I would have preferred to read about the Melbourne I live in rather than the one that appears in the travel guide.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story: 3.0/5.0
Narration: 3.75/5.0

I usually love reverse stereotype books (ie younger dom, reversed size stereotypes etc). But there are a few things that bothered me in this book.

* I didn't love Cash in the beginning, he seemed like a pretentious dick. Especially in the current billionaire environment in the USA, although obviously the author clearly would have written this before all that happened. But it still impacts readers mindsets unfortunately.
* I find it really hard to believe a 24 year old would have that level of knowledge/desire/level of responsibility about being a "daddy" without any bdsm/dom experience. If he had been 28ish maybe it would have felt more believable.
* It's hard to mesh "laid back surfer dude" with the level of detail oriented "daddiness" Ocean had.
* The withholding of some information by one character felt really gross and kind of predatory.
* I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'm going to word this vaguely. It made no sense why the main drama that occurred in the book happened when it happened. What was the cause suddenly? Nothing had happened, so why why wait so long and why then? I just didn't see the sudden motivation. I would have written it differently to occur after certain events came to light.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

Daddy Down Under by Nora Phoenix is an age gap story with a younger, dominant Daddy and an older, wealthy boy. I love stories that shake up the tropes, so I was all here for this pairing and found the story a lot of fun. We meet Cash as he is struggling with the feeling that nothing is exciting him or intriguing him anymore. He is wealthy beyond his dreams and he has a successful company, but all he does is work and he isn’t actually enjoying his life. His choice to take off for Australia is somewhat of a whim, but it also is that fresh change that he so desperately needs.

Overall, I found this one a fun story with a likable pairing in Cash and Ocean. The book gives us some nice character development, particularly for Cash, as well as a sweet and sexy romance.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed parts of this story but there were some areas that were too ooey-gooey sweetness overload and, IMO, didn't fit the persona of the successful businessman, Cash.

I listened to this in audio format so some of my review was heavily influenced by my dislike of the narrator's take on the dialogue. And I was especially disinterested in his interpretation of an Australian accent. I couldn't decide if it sounded more like an Irishman or a Scot but definitely not like any of the AU narrators I've listened to so that always pulled me out of a scene.

I'm a fan of Daddy kink and this was a nice twist of the Daddy being younger and the boy being much older. Some of their times together were outstanding and some fell short.

So overall, I think a 3 star rating is a nice middle of the road path to take. I certainly didn't dislike the story so 3 stars it is.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Who doesn’t love an older man finding a younger Daddy! I love when age doesn’t matter, especially in matters of power dynamics and kinks.

They have a wonderful and easy connection that makes them a joy to watch. And it gives them a great foundation for when trouble comes knocking.

Like all great Nora books, there are some unexpected twists and a good deal of justice doled out in the end.

Definitely an enjoyable read.

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and it made me want to visit Melbourne. I loved Ocean and Cash and it was so sad and maddening about how Preston betrayed both of them and continued to try to destroy Cash's life. I liked that Nora did not try to explain why Preston was so intent on destroying Cash.
I admit that when Cash found out that Preston had told Ocean about his submissiveness I was disappointed and Cash forgave too quickly and their relationship was unequal too much of the time.
I was also glad that the case at Preston was made without describing it on page and that he was found guilty on all charges and that Ocean did decide to file charges of assault against him.